Week Two Wesco Power Rankings

The Jackson Timberwolves dazzled in the opener and appear at number two on our first rankings of 2009. Video Courtesy of Matthew Robertson.

It's the first power rankings of the year, and while each squad only has one game on its resume, it's enough for us to take a crack at ranking 3A and 4A Wesco 1-19. For the most part, the 1-0 teams occupy the top half and the 0-1 teams get the bottom, but this is subject to change as the season progresses. Feel free to leave your comments or your own rankings.

Wesco Power Rankings: Week Two

1. Glacier Peak (1-0) def Arlington 52-51 (OT)
The Grizzlies, ranked sixth in the Seattle Times State 3A poll, dispatched a tough 4A team to open the season behind five touchdowns (four passing) from senior QB Zach Richter. The Grizzlies will be tested next week – on the road at 1-0 Lake Stevens.

2. Jackson (1-0) def. Stanwood 35-18
The Timberwolves easily dispatched highly-touted Stanwood 35-18 behind a big game from Riley Carr and Andy Gay. Carr had seven receptions for165 yards and three TD’s, while Gay was super sharp, hitting 24/30 passes for 342 yards. Jackson is ranked seventh in the Seattle Times 4A State poll.

3. Meadowdale (1-0) def. Edmonds-Woodway 33-10
Meadowdale coasted past 4A power Edmonds-Woodway behind 196 yards from under-the-radar All Area candidate Naji-Moore Taylor. The defense also held touted E-W QB Andy Wilcock to just 6-13 passing for 72 yards. Meadowdale should be ranked (but isn’t) in the Times 3A top ten.

4. Marysville-Pilchuck (1-0) def. Shorecrest 23-0
The Tommies looked dominant behind a revamped offensive line and a familiar ball carrier as Austin Denton cruised for 236 yards on just 22 carries. M-P will get a tougher opponent next week at Snohomish.

5. Lake Stevens (1-0) def. Mariner 18-15
The Vikings broke in a new QB and unveiled a new 3-5-3 defense that showed much promise in shoring up the 2008 Vikings’ biggest flaw: stopping the run. RB Brennan Frost stepped up big in replacing the injured Duke Dolphin, and showed flashes of brilliance including an 80-yard touchdown run on the Vikes’ first offensive play of the season. Junior WR Brandon Prelar also hauled in seven receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown in the 18-15 victory over Mariner.

6. Cascade (1-0) def. Oak Harbor 15-0
The Bruins made a statement at home, holding 4A Oak Harbor to under 200 yards of total offense while pitching the shutout. The Bruins will look to improve on the passing game if they hope to compete for a league title: just 22 yards against the Wildcats.

7. Arlington (0-1) lost at Glacier Peak 51-52 (OT)
Arlington’s Andy Smith threw for six touchdown passes in the loss at Glacier Peak. Four of the TD’s went to senior WR Connor Vardell – who is back after offseason spinal surgery. There’s no shame in losing at Glacier Peak, but the Eagles will have to shore up the defense if they hope to compete for a Wesco North title.

8. Snohomish (1-0) def. Kamiak 36-33
The Panthers returned two Knight turnovers for touchdowns and ran the clock out after another late Knight turnover. However – the Panthers surrendered four passing TD’s and did not have a 100-yards rusher.

9. Monroe (1-0) def. Shorewood 50-6
The Bearcats had two back rush for over 100 yards and rushed for 285 total while causing two turnovers (and surrendering none) in the home victory.

10. Everett (1-0) def. Bishop Blanchet 17-0
The Gulls defeated 2A Bishop Blanchet behind three sacks from defensive tackle Luke Frauenholtz.

11. Mariner (0-1) lost at Lake Stevens 15-18
For the second year in a row, the Marauders suffered a three point loss to the Vikings in the season opener. Last year, they rebounded for a playoff berth and are likely to again. Sophomore RB KeiVarae Russell was sensational, rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone. For some reason, the Maurauders turned to the passing attack late, but were held to a miserable 1/16 with three interceptions. TE/DE Mychael Tuiasosopo was held without a catch or a sack.

12. Stanwood (0-1) lost at Jackson 18-35
Big things are still expected from Spartan and RB Brad Gee, despite a season-opening loss at Jackson.

13. Edmonds-Woodway (0-1) lost at Meadowdale 13-33
Perhaps it was just an off day for QB Andy Wilcock and company, but a 20-point loss to a 3A opponent raises some questions about the likeliness of E-W once again reaching the playoffs.

14. Oak Harbor (0-1) lost at Cascade 0-15
Despite being shutout on the road, Oak Harbor still has a bright future, behind dazzling RB Donovan Hunt and a senior-laden roster. The loss of QB James Jordan (transfer) hurts.

15. Mountlake Terrace (1-0) def. Lynwood 28-0
Perhaps they should be ranked higher after RB Casey Ellersick rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns, but they’ll have to beat a tougher opponent to move up this list.

16. Shorecrest (0-1) lost at M-P 0-23
No shame in losing to the Tommies…loss of All Wesco RB Michael Harris (concentrating on soccer) really hurts.

17. Kamiak (0-1) lost vs. Snohomish 33-36
Home loss to the rebuilding Panthers not a promising start.

18. Shorewood (0-1) lost at Monroe 3-50
A 47-point loss to the lowly Bearcats indicates a long season awaits Shorewood followers.

19. Lynwood (0-1) lost at M-T 0-28
At least they have a brand new high school.